Advanced Coma-Free OpticsThe LX200-ACF comes in a complete line of optical tube (OTA) apertures, from 8-inch to 16-inch. All sizes come with the Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optical systems. The Advanced Coma-Free optical system has brought the highest level of optical performance well within the reach of most amateurs. Using the Meadeexclusive design, ACF optics achieve aplanatic performance __ with a flatter field, reduced astigmatism and eliminated diffractions spikes __ equal to Ritchy-ChÇ¸tien systems, at a fraction of the price. Coupled with Meade's Ultra- High Transmission Coatings (standard on all LX200-ACF systems), you have the ultimate in premium optics.

The LX200-ACF also comes with the AutoStar II handbox controller which puts over 140,000 objects at your fingertips and delivers the fastest GoTo performance available. This simple to use handbox provides complete control over every aspect of the telescope's operation. You can even control the system from an external computer with supplied or third party software.

The BenchmarkMeade's LX200 is the most widely used advanced amateur telescope on Earth. And for good reason. It combines the most sophisticated optical system available with rock-solid mechanical and electronic elements to create the most versatile astronomical system available.

Precise and quick star alignment is done near effortlessly with Meade's level north technology alignment system incorporating a 16 channel GPS receiver. The Autostar II is flash-updatable via free downloads at Meade.com (optional cable required). The drive base of the telescope has multiple input and output ports including an RS-232 PC interface and jacks for a (user supplied) CCD Autoguider and illuminated reticle.

Mechanically loaded as well all LX200 models feature a primary mirror locking mechanism, which effectively prevents movement of the primary mirror during long exposure astrophotography or observing. Turn the lock knob located just above the telescopes main focus knob and the progressive-tension primary lock completely cancels any residual image shift due to mirror movement during visual, photographic, or imaging applications.

All LX200-ACF models feature the DC-servo driven super heavy duty double fork mount, the strongest and most rigid mount in its class. Fast slew speeds are from 1 to 8 degrees per second, and can be user selected at .1 degree per second increments, while fine slewing and photographic guiding speeds can be adjusted from .01x to 1x sidereal in one one-hundredth increments. The mount and all electronics are internally powered by 8 (user supplied) C-cell batteries which will typically operate the telescope for around 20 hours (optional Meade Universal AC adapter also available). The mount additionally has mechanical locks and slow motion manual controls in both axis if for some reason you found yourself without power.

LX200 16" ACF EnhancementsThe 16" model includes an elesctronic focuser, a Series 5000 2" Dialectric Diagonal and Meade's Super Giant Field Tripod. It is not possible to power this model with C cell batteries.